new year 2014 ~ tybee island

Gertrude and Heathcliff enjoying the morning ~~~

It was wonderful to start the new year on a beach! Not a warm, tropical beach ~ but visiting a new/old spot to ring in the year.

My growing up years were divided between upstate South Carolina, south Florida and the South Carolina/Georgia low country ~ all very different locales ~ but with trips to the beach or the lake, there was always water somewhere near by.

My family lived in Savannah for several years, and went to Tybee Island as our local beach. We drove out there in Bluwatermom’s blue Ford Fairlane convertible, and as a kid it seemed like it took FOREVER to get there. Driving from Savannah this trip and admiring the marsh and river views, it seemed a brief and pleasant drive. The drive is the same, only the perspective has changed.

It was a short bluwatergetaway, but we did a lot in a short time. We spent time on the beach of course, and I was struck by the Atlantic color palette. As many friends know, I am obsessed with color and especially colors of the Caribbean. This winter beach visit is much different, but the colors are still beautiful. I collected these shells to capture the Atlantic neutral palette as only nature can prescribe. A color matching source for neutrals from now on! And I got a smile from these two seagulls just sitting around enjoying the morning. Dating myself by calling them Gertrude and Heathcliff, but some of you will get it :-).

Tybee palette ~ Atlantic neutrals

We explored the Tybee Lighthouse park on our own. They were closed for tours that day, so another reason to visit again. Ordered by General Oglethorpe in 1732 as part of the original 13th colony, the lighthouse has been rebuilt several times from the original foundation. The current version was rebuilt after the Civil War and then electrified in 1933. The lighthouse has guided safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years, and the US Coast Guard still maintains it as a navigational aid. It is a lovely icon of the Savannah low country.

Tybee Lighthouse ~ signature landmark

We went to The Crab Shack on the Monday for Bluwaterguy’s birthday, and then had a quiet New Year’s Eve on Tuesday in our cozy rental cottage. I brought a few things from home to make chocolate fondue ~ one of the easiest desserts ever ~ and we toasted with prosecco. We played dominoes, ate chocolate and listened to music to ring in the New Year. Hello 2014!

a few things from home ~~~ easiest dessert ever

New Year’s Eve ~ chocolate fondue, prosecco and dominoes 🙂

New Year’s Day we drove over to Savannah. Bluwaterguy said, “it’s like we went to Tybee and got Savannah for free”. It was a drizzly, rainy day, but the live oak canopy that is everywhere in the historic district gave reasonable shelter. We drove or walked the river front and Bay Street, and then headed to Paula Deen’s restaurant The Lady and Sons for a traditional New Year’s Day dinner. Yes, that means collards, black-eyed peas, corn bread and all the add-on’s. Good thing we did lots of walking before we ate!

New Year’s Day ~ collards and peas at the Lady and Sons

the live oak canopy is everywhere in Savannah ~~~

this is how I always think of Savannah 🙂

marks General Oglethorpe's first campsite ~ did he have GPS?

marks General Oglethorpe’s first campsite ~ how do they know? did he have GPS 🙂

We are definitely going back to Tybee in warm weather. It’s sure to be a completely different visit. We so enjoyed our cottage rental, I would definitely consider it for the return. Here are a few shots of Jensen Cottage ~ it would easily accommodate another couple, but we enjoyed having the extra space to just sprawl out. The cottage is on the north end of the island close to the lighthouse, but just off the main street. The island is small so any location is good, north end or south end.